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“Born in the USA” is saturated with optimum arena conditions — fist pumps, a prodigious chorus, and backdrops of the American flag are all apparent in the song’s aesthetic. However, the 1984 single is actually an objection to the treatment of Vietnam veterans returning from the war.

Regardless, the song rules.

“Alive” – [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Pearl Jam[/lastfm]

Part I of the “Momma-Son” trilogy (“Once” and the b-side “Footsteps” make parts II and III), where the boy in the song discovers his real father is dead. If you listen to parts II and III of the trilogy, you’ll learn just how troubled the boy becomes.

Written before Eddie Vedder ever became the lead singer, “Alive” was Pearl Jam’s first US single.

Disregarding Twisted Sister’s 1984 hit would be blasphemous for a list of this nature. Whether you’re an enslaved teen, a rebellious proletariat, or the guy that scrapes the gum from underneath the tables, this song’s for you.

Watch Dee Snider give a tutorial on how to “stick it to the man” here.